why do we pay taxes?

We pay taxes primarily because they are a mandatory contribution required by governments to finance public services and government activities. Taxes fund essential services including infrastructure like roads and schools, social programs such as Social Security and Medicare, emergency services, healthcare, education, and public safety. They ensure the functioning of government and the betterment of the economy for all residents. Moreover, taxes help maintain fairness by softening wealth disparities and allowing collective investment in public goods that individuals could not afford alone.